How to Decorate a Garden: A Landscape Pro’s 2023 Guide
As a landscape pro or lover of beautiful gardens, your job or desire is transforming outdoor spaces into works of art. You have an eye for beauty and design but are unsure about how to bring them to life — even pros need inspiration now and then. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to shake up your outdoor gardening design or a landscape professional seeking exciting ideas for a challenging new client, I’ve got you covered with this walkthrough on how to decorate a garden.
In this post, I’ll guide you through the latest trends in garden decor and show you how to create custom looks your clients (or neighbours) will love. From my years of experience as an industrial designer, I’ve found innovative ways to pop an outdoor space, from funky yard art to luxurious water features. Take your gardening game to the next level this season with these simple yet valuable tips for decorating a showstopping garden.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
6 Simple Garden Decoration Ideas to Get You Started
The Best Garden Decorations for All Budgets
3 Unique Garden Decor Ideas to Make Your Space Stand Out
3 Beautiful Outdoor Garden Decor Inspiration
6 Simple Garden Decoration Ideas to Get You Started
Decorating your garden doesn’t have to be complicated — here are some simple ideas you can start with:
1. Add colorful planters.
An area I specialize in and have come to enjoy as a product designer is designing custom planters with corten steel.
And what better way to beautify a garden than adding this rustic beauty to compliment the natural scenery?
My custom corten steel planters are rustic yet stylish, perfect for gardens — group a few together for an eye-catching display. You can also try terra cotta, concrete, or wood planters in different shapes and sizes — check out this guide on the different types of planters for more inspo.
2. Include garden sculptures.
Besides making planters, I also enjoy making metal sculptures from aluminium steel, and I can testify to how beautiful your garden can become when you utilize a beautiful metal sculpture. Whimsical sculptures, like animals or abstract pieces, are ideal. Also, metal, stone, and wooden sculptures are popular and weather-resistant. Place them among plants or as freestanding focal points.
3. Use lighting for nighttime ambience.
String lights, lanterns, and spotlights illuminate your garden after dark. They create a warm glow and highlight key features.
4. Plant fragrant flowers.
Nothing is more inviting than lavender, jasmine, or roses. Fragrant flowers make time in your garden a multi-sensory experience.
5. Add a water feature.
The soothing sound of running water calms the mind and soul. A small fountain or pond, surrounded by lush greenery, creates an oasis in your outdoor space.
6. Include garden furniture.
Benches, chairs, tables, and hammocks invite visitors to sit, relax and enjoy the surroundings. Look for all-weather furniture made of steel, aluminium, wood, or plastic resin.
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You can turn your garden into an inviting sanctuary with some simple additions. Start with a planter, a sculpture, and some string lights. Then build upon it each season, creating an outdoor space you’ll never want to leave!
The Best Garden Decorations for All Budgets
Creating a beautiful garden doesn’t have to be expensive. With some creativity and budget-friendly options, you can transform your outdoor space into a stunning oasis without breaking the bank.
Here are some ideas to consider:
1. Aluminum Planters
Aluminum planters are a fantastic option for gardeners who value quality. With their lightweight, durable, and weather-resistant nature, these planters provide a practical and long-lasting solution.
Our aluminium planters are all made by our expert design team
You’ll find a wide range of aluminum planters available on my Etsy Shop, allowing you to personalize your garden's aesthetic with various shapes, sizes, and colors. Whether your style leans towards sleek and modern or more traditional designs, aluminum planters offer the perfect blend of versatility and style.
2. DIY Projects
Embrace your creative side and jump on some do-it-yourself (DIY) projects to decorate your garden. One popular DIY project is painting and distressing terra cotta pots. You can transform ordinary pots into unique, eye-catching pieces with a few coats of paint and some sandpaper.
Additionally, consider making your concrete planters using molds. Concrete is affordable, and you can experiment with different shapes and sizes to create custom planters that suit your garden’s aesthetic.
3. Garden Decorations
Think outside the box when it comes to garden decorations. Consider repurposing old items or finding inexpensive alternatives to expensive garden accessories. For example, you can paint wooden crates and use them as planters or storage containers. They add a rustic and unique touch to your garden while providing functionality.
Gardens don’t have to be “flashy” to be decorated in a tasteful way - often it’s the little things!
You could also create a colorful garden gate using repurposed materials or invest in affordable garden sculptures or wind chimes to add visual interest.
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You can create a stunning garden on a budget by exploring DIY projects, utilizing affordable materials, and getting creative with your garden decorations. Whether it's adding homemade ornaments, repurposing household items, or experimenting with unique designs, the possibilities for enhancing your garden are endless. Remember, the key is to let your imagination guide you and personalize your garden according to your preferences. With the right approach, your affordable and DIY garden can rival the most expensive, professionally-designed spaces, becoming a true reflection of your style and passion for home decoration.
So, go ahead and start transforming your garden into a beautiful retreat that reflects your style and personality.
3 Unique Garden Decor Ideas to Make Your Space Stand Out
Consider incorporating custom decor elements to make your garden truly unique and showcase your style. Working with a landscape professional can help you design and create bespoke pieces that add a distinctive touch to your outdoor space.
Here are some ideas to inspire you:
1. Corten Steel Planters
Corten steel planters are popular for adding an industrial and natural garden aesthetic. Made from weathering steel, they develop a beautiful rust-colored patina over time, giving them a unique and eye-catching appearance.
They come in various shapes and sizes, including circular, square, and rectangular options. Incorporating corten steel planters into your garden design can provide a striking contrast against lush greenery and vibrant flowers.
2. Metal Garden Sculptures
With garden sculptures, you can go from the basic, all the way up to custom designs like the above.
Metal sculptures can serve as captivating focal points in your garden. Corten steel, aluminum, or welded rebar sculptures offer durability and artistic flair.
You can choose from abstract shapes, animal figures, or decorative designs that align with your garden’s theme or reflect your interests. For example, a series of different-sized rebar spheres can create an intriguing visual effect and add a modern touch to your outdoor space.
3. Natural Stone Accents
Incorporating natural stones into your garden design adds a touch of elegance and timelessness. Large stones, boulders, granite slabs, bluestone, or flagstone can serve as stunning accents that create visual interest.
These stone elements can also provide seating areas or serve as stepping stones along garden paths. Bluestone pavers and slabs, for instance, can be arranged strategically to enhance the overall aesthetic of your garden while providing functional elements.
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You can infuse your garden with a sense of artistry and individuality by incorporating custom decor elements such as corten steel planters, metal sculptures, and natural stone accents. I’m a designer and landscape professional and can help you bring your vision to life. I can design and build pieces tailored to your needs, ensuring a cohesive and harmonious look in your garden — contact me today to discuss your project requirements.
Remember, the goal is to create a garden space that reflects your personality and offers a unique experience for you and your guests.
3 Beautiful Outdoor Garden Decor Inspiration
Outdoor decor can transform your garden into an oasis. Think beyond plants — consider giving your sculptures, planters, and accents a designer touch.
Here are some inspirations to help you out:
1. Statues and Sculptures
Garden sculptures are a great way to convey your style. Opt for whimsical animal statues, a modern metal sphere, or a classic marble birdbath. Place sculptures along walkways, in flower beds, or as a centerpiece; for small spaces, hang sculptures on walls or fences.
Consider the following tips when selecting statues and sculptures for your outdoor garden:
Abstract metal sculptures in red, blue, and yellow hues will add color.
Life-size animal statues like turtles, frogs, or birds create a whimsical vibe.
Classic Greek or Roman-inspired statues convey timeless elegance.
2. Planters
Large planters are ideal for creating an outdoor room. Arrange several planters in a circle to define a seating area. Alternatively, use planters to line walkways or frame entryways.
For a cohesive look, choose planters in the same color family and made from the following materials:
Aluminum or corten steel planters for a modern industrial look.
Terra cotta planters for a Tuscan garden feel.
Concrete planters in gray and taupe tones for a minimalist space.
3. Accents
Don’t forget the finishing touches!
Consider the following outdoor accents tips:
String lights to illuminate walkways at night.
Garden stakes and trellises for vertical greenery.
Outdoor rugs and pillows to cozy up seating areas.
Garden mirrors to reflect sunlight and give the illusion of more space.
Lanterns, candles, and hurricane vases to create ambiance after dusk.
You can craft an outdoor space that reflects your unique style with the right combination of plants, sculptures, planters, and accents. Use these tips and ideas as inspiration to decorate your garden in a way that brings you joy. Your oasis awaits!
FAQs: How to Decorate a Garden
What can I add to make my garden look nice?
A few decorative touches can transform your garden into an inviting space. Simplicity is often the best answer to how to decorate a garden and make it look nice.
Consider introducing the following to make your garden look nice:
Garden Sculptures or Statues: Stone, metal, or wood sculptures add visual interest and a decorative focal point. Place one near your entrance or in a prominent spot.
Plants: Group plants of different sizes, colors, and textures together. Corten steel planters in earthy colors complement most garden styles.
Garden Lighting: Path lights or spotlights illuminate your garden at night and create ambiance. String lights also add a whimsical touch.
Water Features: The sound of trickling water is soothing. A small fountain or pondless waterfall is easy to incorporate into most gardens.
Garden Benches or Chairs: A place to sit and enjoy your garden is essential. Wood, stone, metal, and concrete are popular, durable options.
Birdhouses or Bird Feeders: The wildlife will enhance your garden experience. Choose a style that complements your garden decor.
Garden Art: Colorful flower pots, decorative trellises, garden stakes, or weathervanes inject personality and visual interest.
How should I arrange colors in my garden?
A harmonious color palette makes a garden visually cohesive.
Here are seven tips for arranging colors in your garden:
Choose a color theme like cool blues and purples or bright reds, oranges, and yellows. Select plants, flowers, pots, and decor in complementary shades.
Repeat colors throughout the garden to create repetition. This leads the eye through the space.
Use the color wheel for guidance. Group analogous colors like reds, oranges, and yellows or complementary colors like blues and oranges that contrast nicely.
Add neutral shades like green, brown, or gray to balance bright colors. They help the eye rest.
Consider the color of your home’s exterior and architecture — choose a color scheme that complements it. Warm reds and yellows pair well with brick, while cool colors suit stone or stucco.
Add pops of color with annual flowers, pots, or decor. They’re easy to swap out if you want to change the look.
Remember how colors may change at different times of day and year. The light and seasons will affect how colors appear in your garden.
What adds the most value to a garden?
Some of the best ways to add value to your garden include the following:
Hardscaping: Paths, patios, retaining walls, etc. They create usable space and structure in a garden.
Water Features: A pond, fountain, or waterfall. The sound of moving water enhances a garden’s ambiance and appeal.
Lighting: Path lights, spotlights, string lights, etc.
Conclusion
If you read till the end of this guide, you’re now armed with valuable tips and tricks from the pros on how to decorate a garden. Whether you want to go big with custom sculptures and water features or keep it simple with some potted plants and string lights, ensure you choose decor that reflects your unique style.
Your garden is an extension of your home, so make it a space you love spending time in. With some planning and patience, you’ll have an outdoor oasis in no time. Now, get out there, get your hands dirty, and start decorating!
You’ll surely need help with custom planters and sculptures; remember, I’m always here—get in touch with me to plan your next garden facelift or design.
